Polished, profound and perfectly executed – Play It By Ear is a web series which effortlessly combines character driven social commentary with a nuanced take on contemporary relationships.
From that up close and personal opening episode, which introduces Mila (Emila Ann Zisko) and Lukas (Dillon Bentlage) enjoying an awkward moment of long-distance intimacy – Play It By Ear consistently packs a punch. Exploring the complications of maintaining a real connection in an age of fibre optic broadband and limitless options.
Created by Simon Kienitz Kincade, Emily Ann Zisko, Dillon Bentlage and Brian Reilly – this show rarely shies away from the realities of long-distance relationship. Observing in an often intrusive way, how Mila and Lukas split their time between Amsterdam and Los Angeles, racking up countless text messages alongside acres of bandwidth.
Through the clever use of split screen which charts their individual routines, co-directors Simon Kienitz Kincade and Emily Ann Zisko take full advantage of some spectacular European locations, without getting bogged down in needless exposition. In those early episodes both actors forge a tangible chemistry despite the distance between them, making any scenes of real connection more powerful.
From the outset Play It By Ear feels comparable to Richard Linklater’s Before trilogy, in which Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy held centre stage. There is a freewheeling naturalism which comes through in both performances from Dillon and Emily, that feeds back into their dilemma giving this show some real backbone.
Supporting players of note include Elise Rose Martin’s free-spirited Ridley, who offers some physical solace when Lukas is back in Amsterdam. Not only exploring the idea of attraction as a whole within this show but throwing in a touch of bohemian chic for good measure. Across the Atlantic Nastassia Firestone is equally impressive in Amsterdam playing Fenna.
A work colleague with more than a passing attraction to Lukas, their brief liaison proves to be the pivotal powder-keg which gets him questioning his long-term relationship, which in turn sends everything into free fall.
However, where Play It By Ear succeeds more than most is in its distinct lack of cliché. Where the events which traditionally shape rom-coms and relationship dramas are subtlety circumvented to create an emotionally accessible piece of entertainment.
In the aftermath of their short-lived affairs, both Mila and Lukas learn some valuable life lessons which allow them to move forward together. Not only creating a natural progression which audiences will instantly identify with, but opening up further opportunities for a show that deserves to exist beyond the boundaries of YouTube.
Play It By Ear is now available to stream on YouTube